Floriculture

Leucanthemum vulgare, commonly known as the ox-eye daisy, oxeye daisy, dog daisy, or marguerite, is a charming flower that symbolizes patience. Widely cultivated and appreciated for its perennial flowering beauty, the ox-eye daisy graces gardens and designed meadow landscapes with its classic white petals and yellow centers. Despite its ornamental appeal, it can also be an invasive species, spreading rapidly and potentially disrupting the environment near it.

“Go, Lucius!” Narcissa found herself cheering, her voice rising above the crowd's noise. It was an uncharacteristic display of enthusiasm, especially for a boy. “And Evan!” she quickly added, hoping to maintain some decorum and avoid drawing too much attention to her initial outburst.

Today was the Slytherin Quidditch tryouts, and the excitement was palpable. The stands were filled with students, all eager to see who would make the team. Narcissa stood with Severus, her eyes fixed on Lucius as he soared through the air, demonstrating his skills with impressive precision.

Severus smirked. “You’re quite the cheerleader today, Narcissa.”

She rolled her eyes playfully. “I’m just supporting my friends, that’s all.”

Lucius executed a perfect maneuver, catching the Quaffle and scoring a goal. Narcissa couldn’t help but clap and cheer again. Evan followed with a solid performance.

“They’re both doing really well,” Severus commented, his usual stoic demeanor softening slightly with approval.

Narcissa nodded, her eyes never leaving the field. “They’ve been practicing so hard. They deserve to make the team.” 

As the tryouts continued, Narcissa found herself lost in the moment, her usual composed exterior giving way to genuine excitement. She felt a sense of pride watching her friends excel, especially Lucius, who had worked tirelessly to improve his game. Although his “friend” title was still up for debate. Finally, the tryouts concluded, and the candidates gathered to await the results. Narcissa held her breath, fingers crossed. The Slytherin captain stepped forward, a parchment in hand.

“After much deliberation, we’ve decided to welcome two new members to the Slytherin Quidditch team,” the captain announced. “Lucius Malfoy and Evan Rosier!” Narcissa let out a cheer, louder than she intended. She caught herself and quickly glanced around, but most students were too busy congratulating the winners to notice her unrestrained enthusiasm.

Lucius and Evan made their way to the stands, their faces beaming with pride. Narcissa rushed forward, giving them each a hug. She hugged Evan quickly, then moved on to Lucius, wrapping her arms around him and holding him far longer than she had Evan. They only separated when Severus coughed, his expression a mix of amusement and mild annoyance.

“Congratulations!” she exclaimed. “I knew you two would make it!”

“Did you even watch me?” Evan teased, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Seems like you were busy staring at Lucius.”

Narcissa blushed slightly but managed a playful shove at Evan. “I watched both of you.”

“Let’s go,” Severus suddenly said, his voice low as he pointed towards a familiar figure heading their way. James Potter was strutting towards them, looking annoyed and muttering under his breath.

James was grumbling about Lucius ruining his tryout last time, and it was clear he wanted to prove it or have Lucius admit it forcefully. His stride was confident, almost cocky, as if he was looking forward to the confrontation. Narcissa could feel her stomach drop.

“Malfoy!” James called out, his voice carrying a mix of frustration and determination. “I know you had something to do with my tryout being messed up. Admit it!”

Lucius turned, his expression calm and collected. “Potter, you’re delusional. If you messed up your tryout, it’s on you, not me.”

James’ eyes narrowed, stepping closer. “Don’t play dumb, Malfoy. You and your little friends think you can get away with anything.”

Severus stepped forward, pointing his wand at James, his stance protective. “Leave it, Potter. You have no proof.”

Evan smirked, enjoying the tension. “Yeah, Potter. Maybe you’re just not as good as you think you are.”

Narcissa stood by Lucius, her presence a silent show of support. “Hey, this isn’t the time or place,” she said, trying to de-escalate the situation.

James’ gaze flicked to Narcissa, his expression softening slightly. “Stay out of this, Black. It’s between me and Malfoy.”

Lucius chuckled, clearly amused by James’ bravado. “You heard her, Potter. Run along before you embarrass yourself further.”

James clenched his fists, but before he could say anything else, Severus spoke up. “We’re done here, Potter. Go cool off.”

With a final glare, James turned and walked away, still muttering under his breath. “I’ll remember this.” As he left, Narcissa let out a breath she didn’t realize she had been holding.

“Thanks, Sev,” she said, looking relieved. “That could have gotten ugly.”

Severus nodded. “Anytime. Let’s just get out of here before he decides to come back.”

As they headed back to the castle, Lucius glanced at Narcissa, a soft smile playing on his lips. “Thanks for having my back, Cissy.”

“Always,” she replied, feeling a warmth spread through her chest. 

The castle corridors were unusually quiet as Narcissa and her friends made their way back from the Quidditch pitch. As they turned a corner, Narcissa spotted Andromeda standing with a boy she didn’t recognize. They were deep in conversation, their expressions serious yet warm.

Narcissa slowed her pace, her eyes narrowing as she tried to place the unfamiliar boy. Beside her, Severus noticed the shift in her demeanor and followed her gaze.

“That’s Ted Tonks,” Severus muttered, his tone neutral. “A Hufflepuff. Muggle-born.”

Narcissa’s brow furrowed in confusion and curiosity. She had never seen Andromeda this comfortable with anyone outside their usual circle, let alone a Muggle-born. She watched as Andromeda laughed at something Ted said, the sound light and genuine.

Severus, noticing the growing tension, nudged Lucius and Evan. “Let’s head back to the common room. Now.”

Lucius raised an eyebrow but complied, steering Evan away from the scene. “Come on, let’s leave them be.”

Evan seemed confused but followed Lucius without complaint. Severus lingered for a moment, ensuring the others were out of earshot before turning to Narcissa.

“Are you alright?” he asked quietly.

Narcissa nodded, though her gaze remained fixed on her sister. “I just... I didn’t expect this.”

Severus gently touched her arm. “We should go.”

Later that evening, as the common room buzzed with quiet conversations and the occasional burst of laughter, Narcissa found herself staring into the fireplace, lost in thought. Andromeda entered, her expression determined. She made her way over to Narcissa, gently placing a hand on her sister’s shoulder.

“Cissy, can we talk?” Andromeda asked, her voice soft but insistent.

Narcissa looked up, her eyes clouded with confusion and hurt. “What is it, Andie?”

“I saw you earlier,” Andromeda said, sitting down next to her. “About Ted. I wanted to explain…”

But Narcissa seemed distant, her thoughts still whirling from what she had witnessed. “I don’t understand, Andie. Why are you spending time with him?”

Andromeda sighed, sensing the disillusionment in her sister’s tone. “Ted’s different, Cissy. He’s kind, and he doesn’t care about blood status. He sees me for who I am, not just a Black.”

Narcissa shook her head, her emotions a tangled mess. “But you know what our family expects. What Bella expects.”

Andromeda reached out, trying to bridge the growing gap between them. “I know, but sometimes, Cissy, we have to follow our own path. You don’t have to agree with me, but please try to understand.”

Before Narcissa could respond, Bellatrix stormed into the common room, her eyes blazing with anger. “What’s going on here?”

Andromeda stood up, facing her older sister with defiance and exasperation. “I’m trying to talk to Cissy. She’s upset.”

Bellatrix’s gaze shifted to Narcissa, her expression softening slightly before hardening again. “What did you tell her, Andie? Filling her head with nonsense about that Muggle-born?”

Andromeda’s eyes flashed with frustration. “I’m trying to explain, Bella. Not that it’s any of your business.”

Bellatrix took a step closer, her voice low and dangerous. “It is my business. You’re leading her astray.”

Narcissa, feeling the tension rise, tried to intervene. “Stop it, both of you. This isn’t helping.”

But Andromeda couldn’t hold back her anger. “You’ve always tried to control us, Bella. Maybe Cissy listens to you, but I won’t. And I didn’t fill her head with anything—she saw us, and she deserves the truth.”

Bellatrix’s eyes narrowed. “You’re only causing more trouble for all of us.”

The argument escalated until Andromeda, unable to take it anymore, stormed out of the common room, leaving Bellatrix looking both furious and hurt.

Bellatrix turned to Narcissa, her voice softer but still firm. “You need to stay away from her, Cissy. She’s making bad choices.”

Narcissa nodded slowly, though her heart ached with the weight of the conflict. “I know, Bella. But she’s still our sister.”

Bellatrix sighed, her expression softening slightly. “I know. I just don’t want to lose you too.”

Narcissa watched as Bellatrix left the room, feeling more confused and conflicted than ever. 

Narcissa found herself zoning out, her mind a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. Almost on autopilot, she walked to the girls' lavatory, needing a moment of solitude. Once inside, she locked herself in a stall and sank to the floor, the weight of the family conflict pressing down on her. She couldn't hold back the tears any longer and began to cry quietly, her sobs echoing softly off the tile walls.

After a few minutes, the door to the lavatory creaked open, and someone walked in. Narcissa tried to stifle her sobs, but it was too late—the newcomer had already heard her.

There was a brief silence before a gentle voice spoke. "Are you okay in there?"

Narcissa didn’t reply, too embarrassed to let anyone see her like this. "Uh, I'm fine."

Moments later, a handkerchief floated over the top of the stall door, hovering in front of her. Narcissa hesitated, then reached out and took it, wiping her eyes. The gesture, simple and kind, was exactly what she needed.

She sniffed and took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "Thank you," she said softly, though she didn't know who was on the other side of the door.

There was a pause, then the voice replied, "You're welcome. Take your time."

Narcissa sat there for a moment, the tears gradually subsiding. She glanced down at the handkerchief and noticed the initials embroidered on it: AF.

“Fortescue?” she called out tentatively.

“Yeah?” came the reply from the other side of the stall door.

“How do I know it’s really you?” Narcissa asked, her voice wavering between curiosity and suspicion.

There was a brief rustling sound before a candy wrapper was slipped under the stall door. Narcissa picked it up, examining it with a confused expression, before pocketing it.

“What? That doesn’t prove anything,” she said, a hint of annoyance creeping into her voice.

“The way you’re pissed off proves something,” Alice replied, her tone light but sincere. “Wanna talk about it?”

Narcissa hesitated, her grip tightening on the handkerchief. She wasn’t sure she wanted to open up to Alice, of all people. But the vulnerability of the moment and the unexpected kindness tugged at her resolve.

“I don’t know,” Narcissa muttered, more to herself than to Alice.

“Look, you don’t have to tell me everything,” Alice said gently. “Sometimes it just helps to have someone listen.”

Narcissa sighed, the weight of her emotions pressing down on her. “It’s… it’s my family. Things are complicated.”

“Aren’t they always?” Alice replied, her voice softening. “Family stuff can be the worst sometimes.”

Narcissa leaned her head back against the stall door, closing her eyes. “Yeah, it really can be.”

“Do you want to get out of here?” Alice suggested after a moment. “We can go for a walk, or just find a quiet place to sit.”

Narcissa considered the offer, the idea of leaving the suffocating confines of the lavatory appealing. “Okay,” she said finally. “Let’s go.”

She unlocked the stall door and stepped out, meeting Alice’s gaze. There was a tentative understanding between them, a fragile truce forged in the shared moment of vulnerability. One that Narcissa was unsure she could keep together for the night.

“A candy wrapper really?” Narcissa rolled her eyes. “What was that even supposed to mean?”

“I don’t know? Maybe I’m here and I’m real?” Alice laughed. “I know a place, come on.”

Narcissa couldn’t help but chuckle as Alice led her through the corridors of Hogwarts, her grip firm yet surprisingly gentle on Narcissa’s wrists. They moved swiftly, weaving through the throngs of students until they reached the Quidditch pitch.

“You know a place, and you bring me to the Quidditch pitch?” Narcissa teased, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.

Alice rolled her eyes playfully. “Hey, it’s peaceful here when there’s no one around,” she defended. “Plus, it’s not like I have a secret garden or anything.”

Narcissa laughed, the sound ringing out against the backdrop of the empty stadium. As they walked, Alice suddenly veered off the path and led Narcissa under the bleachers. There, nestled in the shade, a patch of daisies swayed gently in the breeze.

“Oh,” Narcissa breathed, a sense of wonder washing over her. “I didn’t even know this was here.”

“Hidden gems of Hogwarts,” Alice said with a grin, gesturing to the flowers. “I like to come here sometimes, just to think or escape from everything.”

Narcissa nodded, her gaze lingering on the daisies. “It’s beautiful,” she murmured, a sense of tranquility settling over her.

They settled onto the ground, the soft grass cushioning their backs as they leaned against the bleachers. For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, the only sound the gentle rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of birds.

“Thanks for bringing me here,” Narcissa said softly, breaking the quietude. “I needed this.”

“Anytime,” Alice replied, her voice warm. “We all need a little escape sometimes.”

“You’re surprisingly not annoying,” Narcissa remarked.

“You’re surprisingly human today,” Alice teased back, a smile playing on her lips. “So are we going to talk about it?”

Narcissa sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. “I guess I’m just tired of having to be between my sisters, it’s like I have to constantly choose sides.”

“Then choose yours,” Alice suggested gently, her gaze unwavering.

“I don’t know how to do that,” Narcissa admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

“Liar,” Alice countered.

“Fine, I’m not brave enough to do that,” Narcissa confessed, her gaze dropping to her hands in her lap.

“Sirius talks about you and Andie a lot,” Alice revealed, her expression thoughtful. “He says that sometimes he thinks you understand him and agree with him, and sometimes you don’t.”

Narcissa frowned, a knot of confusion forming in her chest. “I’m still figuring everything out,” she admitted quietly. “I guess I just have to wait it out.”

“Also, you’re talking to me now, didn’t you just choose what you wanted?” Alice smiled as she hugged her knees.

“Hey you’re the one who dragged me here,” Narcissa nudged her playfully. “I would've been fine in the lavatory, just needed a good cry.” 

“Sure, Narcissa Black, vulnerable in the lav, even I wouldn’t ignore that.” Alice. “Are you even the real one?”

Narcissa took the candy wrapper from her pocket and extended her hand to Alice.

“Apparently, and unfortunately I’m here and I’m real,” Narcissa chuckled.

Alice chuckled, taking the candy wrapper from Narcissa's outstretched hand. "Apparently so," she agreed, a playful glint in her eyes. "And unfortunately, you're stuck with me."

Narcissa nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Seems that way," she replied, her voice laced with amusement. "Can be fixed easily. Shall we head back?"

“Getting rid of me already?” Alice smiled, her head resting on her knees as she hugged them close. Narcissa couldn’t help but notice how the faint light highlighted the other girl’s features.

“Fine, I’ll go first,” Narcissa grumbled.

“Don’t let the prefects catch you,” Alice yelled

Narcissa laughed as she made her way out from under the bleachers. "Yeah, I'll just tell him you kidnapped me," she called back, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Alice chuckled, waving a hand in dismissal. "They won't believe you," she retorted. "I'm too much of an angel."

Narcissa snorted at that. "More like a fallen one," she teased

“But you agree that I’m an angel?” Alice smiled.

“In your dreams, Fortescue,” Narcissa rolled her eyes before disappearing into the corridors. She managed to come back in common room without any trouble. Pacing around was Lucius Malfoy, looking extremely worried, with him was Evan, half-asleep on the couch, and Severus talking with Avery. 

“Where were you, Cissa?” Lucius asked worriedly as he stopped. 

Narcissa smiled gently at Lucius, noticing the concern in his expression. "Took a walk, just needed a little breather," she reassured him, her voice soft and comforting.

Lucius relaxed slightly, his frown easing into a more relieved expression. "You should've told me," he said, his tone tinged with worry. "I would've come with you."

Narcissa shook her head, moving closer to him. "It's okay, I needed some time alone," she replied, reaching out to grasp his hand. "But I'm back now."

Lucius nodded, squeezing her hand gently. "Just promise me you'll let me know next time," he said. “Or not, it’s not like you need to, I’m just saying just in case–”

"I promise," Narcissa said, smiling up at him. "Now, let's go sit by the fire, shall we?" 

“Great you’re here,” Evan said, as he dragged himself to the dorms. The other boys followed, after giving Lucius a nod.

"You seemed distant earlier," Lucius remarked, his gaze searching her face. "Is everything alright?"

Narcissa hesitated, debating whether to share her concerns. But seeing the genuine concern in Lucius's eyes, she decided to open up to him. “I think only time will tell if this matter will be okay, tell me about your night instead?”

Fair enough," Lucius replied, a hint of disappointment flickering across his features before he composed himself. "Well, after you left, Severus, Evan, and I just hung out in the common room for a bit. We talked about Quidditch strategies and some of the homework assignments we've got coming up."

Narcissa nodded, grateful for the change of topic. "Sounds like a typical night for you," she remarked with a small smile.

"Yeah, pretty much," Lucius agreed, returning her smile. "But it's always better when you're around, Cissa."